Pope Leo is cleared to travel 31,000km across South America just weeks after having part of his lung removed

Pope Leo XIV, aged 71, will deliver 36 speeches across ten cities in Uruguay, Argentina and Peru between 6 and 17 November. His physician Luigi Carbone found 'no contraindications' following fresh tests. On 13 October, surgeons excised a portion of his right lung — the lower lobe — and the cancer was contained, requiring no further treatment.

As recently as last Friday, he pulled out of a visit to Assisi because he wanted to avoid travelling by helicopter.

Pope Leo XIV posted on X that he is 'looking forward to returning to the continent'.

The tour opens in Uruguay, where a meeting with President Yamandú Orsi is scheduled.